Fernbank Museum, Atlanta GA

 Whether your travel destinations for summer take you to Atlanta or simply through Atlanta, The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a wonderful place to stop with kids. With six extensive permanent exhibits and several visiting exhibits (including one on geckos through the summer!), an IMAX theater, a museum store and cafe, you could easily spend a day here. (At very least, you’ll want to plan on an entire afternoon or morning to get your money’s worth!)

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The Fernbank has an entire section geared to young kids: there’s a great hands-on section for kids called NatureQuest. NatureQuest lets kids interactively connect with nature as if they were outside and is great for those younger kids who aren’t too comfortable being outside just yet. For all kids, a permanent exhibit worth noting is called A Walk Through Time in Georgiawhich lets visitors explore the natural history of Georgia and the story of our planet as they journey through lifelike geographic regions and historic re-creations. Highlights include a dinosaur gallery, a giant sloth, a cave, and the sights and sounds of the Okefenokee Swamp.

Seasonal Tip! Fernbank’s holiday-inspired exhibition features trees and other displays decorated by local cultural partners that recognize celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah and the Festival of Lights, as well as traditions and practices like origami, indigenous art and national symbols.

Coming in 2016! Plan your visit around the opening of Fernbank’s new outdoor space, coming soon. Check on its status at the exhibits page. This is one element the Fernbank has been missing, so we’re excited to see this expansion take place. Included will be interactive outdoor elements, space for children to play and climb, and gardens to enhance the overall experience for those spending a full day at the museum…after all, fresh air is a must!

Distance off the interstate: Just a few minutes!

Hours: Open 7 days a week, but hours vary between the museum, IMAX, cafe, and museum store. See this comprehensive chart for current hours.

Admission Prices:

Adults: $18
Students and seniors (62+) with ID: $17
Children 3-12: $16
Children 2 and under (ticket required): FREE

IMAX admission is separate, but ‘Value Passes’, which include admission to both for a discounted price, are available.

Food Services: The Fernbank Cafe, located inside the museum, offers sandwiches, salads, pizza, and more!

Bathrooms: Located on-site.

Website: Fernbank Museum

Directions: From I-75/I-85/GA400 head toward downtown Atlanta. Take exit 248C Freedom Parkway (GA 10 East). Go 1.7 miles to Ponce de Leon Avenue and turn right. Go 1.7 miles to Clifton Road and turn left. Go 1/10 mile to the Museum entrance and turn right.
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Photo credit: Peter C Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

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